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THE
SOLUTION
(Updated
July 2009)
Basically the solution is to recognize
that Dams do not make water and limit releases from the Lakes to the
amount of water coming in from rain during a drought. During the
worst droughts on record the average annual input from rain was
3600cfs. A formal request has been made to the Corps of Engineers
asking them to modify their drought control plan to reduce release
rates from Lake Thurmond to 3600cfs anytime the lake level drops 2ft
to prevent the drastic drop in lake levels that have occurred in
past droughts.
Letters to the Corps obtained through the Freedom of Information Act
show that all stakeholders along the Savannah River had no problem
with the release rate of 3600cfs used throughout 2008. In other
words had we used 3600cfs once the lake level dropped 2ft during the
last drought we would have avoided the damage to lake interests and
we would have satisfied all stakeholders along the Savannah River.
Most attempts to solve this problem have been riddled with
complicated discussions of all kinds of imaginary problems. We need
to drive the point home that the solution is not complicated and
there are no hidden consequences. The best way to do that is for
everyone to ask the Corps and your congressman one simple question:
WHY NOT 3600CFS NOW?
* * *
(Below,
posted January 2008)
Flood control, drought
control, economic development, water quality (water quality would
run hand-in-hand with drought control), hydro-power, etc. should be
the priority list for the Corps of Engineers. Remember, drought
control ASSURES a constant and responsible generation of power w hile
continuing to recognize the IMPORTANCE of the economies North of
Thurmond Dam.
We must band together and act
on this NOW! Everyone is urged to sign this petition but do NOT stop
here. Contact your local, state, and national representatives. There
is power in numbers and we have those numbers if everyone will get
behind this movement.
“Save Our Lakes NOW” is
asking/demanding (out of complete desperation) the Corps of
Engineers for the IMMEDIATE implementation of 3600cfs from Lake
Thurmond and the CONTINUED 3600cfs outflows until ALL three (3)
lakes are full. If, during this process inflows South of Thurmond
Dam are adequate to maintain 3600cfs in the River, ALL outflows from
Thurmond Dam will cease until such outflows from Thurmond are
necessary to maintain 3600cfs in the River.
Please note that the Corps of
Engineers should continue to seek lower than 3100cfs during times of
drought.
This situation is critical
and NOW is the time to take action for change in the way our lakes
are being managed. PLEASE join us in this endeavor. Thank you!
SEE THE DESTRUCTION HERE |
